Don’t Let a Dangerous Choice Make for an Extra Scary Halloween

Plan Ahead and Designate a Sober Driver Prior to Your Holiday Fun

SACRAMENTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Halloween is often recognized as a holiday that offers just as much fun
for adults as it does for children. Youngsters may look forward to a
night of trick-or-treating, but many adults choose to partake in the
festivities, too – oftentimes with alcohol included. While Halloween may
be a spooky night, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and
California Highway Patrol (CHP) want to help ensure that it is also a
safe one. If you plan on making alcohol a part of your celebrations this
year, designating a sober driver or finding a safe ride home should be a
top priority.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs always presents
serious, life-threatening risks, but even more so on a night when
pedestrians and children are out trick-or-treating,” said OTS Director
Rhonda Craft. “By taking just a few extra minutes to designate a sober
driver, you will not only avoid the serious risk and costs associated
with a DUI, but you will also help protect your own life and the lives
of those around you.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between
2009 and 2013, 43 percent of all traffic fatalities on Halloween night
involved an impaired driver. In 2013 alone, 26 percent of all pedestrian
fatalities on Halloween night involved an impaired driver.

“With Halloween falling on a weekend this year, we expect an increase in
celebrations,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “With a few simple
precautions, you should be able to enjoy the fun and get home safely.
Drive sober, avoid distractions behind the wheel, and be especially
alert around pedestrians.”

Whether out trick-or-treating for the night or heading to a party, it is
equally important for adults and children to take necessary safety
precautions. For those walking door-to-door, consider using light
producing or reflective devices to remain visible to cars. Only cross
the street at crosswalks or corners and only when it is safe to do so.
Costumes should be kept short enough to avoid tripping, and masks should
be lifted or removed while on or crossing a street.

Drivers need to pay extra attention to pedestrians – especially small
children – as they may be unaware of their surroundings and
trick-or-treaters can appear out of nowhere. Party hosts need to be
ready with non-alcoholic drinks, food, and the responsibility to make
sure their guests get home safely.

The California Office of Traffic Safety wishes you a fun and safe
Halloween. To keep up with the latest traffic safety information, be
sure to follow us on Twitter at @OTS_CA or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS.
For more information on all OTS efforts, visit www.OTS.ca.gov.

Contacts

California Office of Traffic Safety
Chris Cochran, 916-509-3063
chris.cochran@ots.ca.gov